Radovljica, a medieval town in northern Slovenia with views of the Karawanks and the Julian Alps, has been declared the most hospitable town by the Tourist Association of Slovenia.

Lying just a few kilometres from the lakeside town of Bled, Radovljica was founded in the 14th century on a terrace above where the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka merge into one, the Sava.

Apart from medieval walls and a defensive moat, the town boasts some of the most unique examples of medieval architecture in Slovenia such as the Radovljica Manor, St Peter's Church and the castle park.

At its heart, the Linhart Square is one of the most beautiful old town cores in Slovenia, while the Secession municipal building features a colourful bee-themed decoration.

The town hosts a series of events throughout the year, including its signature Radovljica Festival of early music in August and the country's largest Chocolate Festival in April.

The Tourist Association of Slovenia has been picking the most beautiful and most hospitable towns in Slovenia for more than 30 years.

"In the past years, we have fortunately found that Slovenian towns and villages are all increasingly neat, which is why this year we have focused even more on the tourist services and hospitality," the association's head Dominik S. Černjak said at a ceremony, held as part of the Days of Slovenian Tourism that started in Laško on 18 November.

The capital Ljubljana won second place and Podčetrtek, a spa town in the east, the third.

Among the best-known towns, Celje, Velenje and Slovenj Gradec won praise, while Ribnica, Sveti Jurij and Šmarje pri Jelšah were declared up-and-coming stars. The hidden gems are Dobrovnik in the northeastern region of Prekmurje, Trbovlje in central Slovenia and Črna na Koroškem in the north.

Koper, Stara Fužina and Staro Velenje have the most appealing old towns, and Stanjevci and Vipavski Križ were praised as green hospitable destinations.